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Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan (Easy & Crispy)

Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan (Easy & Crispy)
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This Healthy Chicken Parmesan is a lighter twist on the classic comfort dish—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with flavorful marinara and melty cheese. It’s baked instead of fried and made with whole wheat breadcrumbs, making it a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts or chicken cutlets)

  • ½ cup whole wheat flour

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1½ cups marinara sauce

Breading Mixture

  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (unseasoned)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons dried basil

  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them in half lengthwise like a book. Place between plastic wrap and pound to about ¼-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender chicken. You should have about 6 cutlets.

  2. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  3. Set Up Breading Station:

    • Bowl 1: Whole wheat flour

    • Bowl 2: Whisked eggs

    • Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, pepper, basil, and parsley

  4. Bread the Chicken:
    Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip into egg, then coat well in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.

  5. Bake:
    Arrange breaded cutlets on the baking sheet.
    Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 15 minutes.

  6. Add Sauce & Cheese:
    Spoon about ¼ cup marinara and ¼ cup mozzarella over each cutlet.
    Return to oven and broil for 2–3 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  7. Serve:
    Serve hot with whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, or over a fresh green salad.

Notes

  • Don’t skip pounding the chicken: This prevents dry or undercooked centers.

  • Use parchment paper: Helps achieve crispiness without extra oil.

  • Watch the broiler closely: Cheese melts fast and can burn quickly.

  • Make it extra crispy: Lightly spray the cutlets with olive oil spray before baking.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/healthy-baked-chicken-parmesan-easy-crispy/